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Overview
School: Rice University
Position: RHP
Height: 6′ 4”
Weight: 225 lb.
Bats: L
Throws: R
Jon Duplantier 2016 MLB Draft Profile
A 2013 graduate of Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Tex., Duplantier was a multi-sport student-athlete who was a two-year varsity baseball starter and letterman. He went 6-2 on the mound with a 1.60 ERA in 13 appearances for the 2013 Regional III 5A bi-district champions. Duplantier wrapped up his senior year with 83 strikeouts in 65.2 innings, an average of 11.4 Ks per 9.0 innings. Duplantier was a potential second-round pick last year as a sophomore at Rice, but went unpicked after a shoulder injury sidelined him for the entire season. He didn’t require surgery and bounced back incredibly well this spring.
Strengths:
- Delivery adds run and sink to the fastball, appearing to add velocity(91-96mph)
- Power curveball can be plus pitch
- Sinking changeup
- Athletic, physical frame
Weaknesses:
- Long term durability due to shoulder issues
MLB Comparison: Anibal Sanchez, RHP, Detroit Tigers
Projected Pick Range: 35-50
Most Likely Landing Spot: Cincinnati Reds
Bottom Line:
Duplantier put together an impressive freshman campaign for the Owls, and continued his successful ways this summer in the California Collegiate League. Though he has an athletic, physical frame that should lend itself to starting, there are questions about his long-term durability because of his shoulder issues and the track record of top Owls pitching prospects getting hurt. His layoff didn’t help his control and command, but he has a sound delivery and they should be at least average in the long run.
Sources: MLB Prospect Watch, Baseball Prospectus, Perfect Game USA
